Veteran’s Pension to be extended

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael
Woodhouse has today introduced an amendment to extend
eligibility for the Veteran’s Pension to all veterans over
the age of 65.

“Discussions with Hon Peter Dunne and an
approach from the RNZRSA accorded with my own thinking about
how we could further improve the Veterans’ Support Bill to
better recognise the service of veterans,’’ Mr Woodhouse
says.

“After working closely with Mr Dunne, I am today
introducing an amendment that will extend eligibility for
the Veteran’s Pension to all those with qualifying service
aged over 65.’’

The Bill is central to the $60 million
package announced by the Government in response to the 2010
Law Commission review of the War Pensions Act 1954.

"One
of the few Law Commission recommendations that was not
progressed at the time was to remove the impairment
threshold required for veterans to be eligible for the
Veteran’s Pension.’’

The entitlements for those
newly eligible will be:• Veteran’s Pension to be
paid at the same rate, but instead of, New Zealand
Superannuation• Payments will never be abated for
extended hospitalisation• A Community Services
Card

The amendment will increase the number of New
Zealanders eligible for the Veteran’s Pension from 3200 to
around 19,900.

“Importantly, this means that thousands
more veterans will benefit from any future changes provided
to those on a Veteran’s Pension.”

Mr Woodhouse says
the lump sum payments on death will continue to be paid to
all those who meet the current threshold.

“Veterans need
to know how mealy-mouthed Labour is being on this issue.
Phil Goff is arguing today to increase lump sum payments
paid to veterans on their death, by taking away entitlements
from veterans who are still alive and deserve
support.

“Mr Goff has tried to hide the fact that
Labour’s veterans policy will increase the age for the
Veteran’s Pension from 65 to 67, which will remove support
for thousands of aging New Zealanders.

“I thank Mr Dunne
and ACT for their support in securing what is a significant
step forward for
veterans.’’

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